By Bilesanmi Abayomi
In a recent interview, Mr. Oluwagbenga Tambi, the former 2017 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Agboyi Ketu LCDA area of Kosofe, shed light on his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) and emphasized that it was motivated by the interest of the southwest region rather than personal gain.
He disclosed this during his appearance on the “Politics Naija” program hosted by Olalekan Eminent (Radio Jagaban) on Tungba 100.9 FM in Lagos, which was monitored by Kosofe Post.
Tambi expressed that their calculations were based on the region’s interest and not on trivial benefits. He likened the situation to a proverbial saying: “One cannot say because one’s daughter has ample buttocks he would put the waist beads on another man’s daughter.” In other words, he believed it was crucial to prioritize the welfare and progress of the southwest region.
One of the key factors influencing Tambi’s decision was the future succession plan of the PDP. He pointed out that the party’s 2019 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, hails from the North, and his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, comes from the South-South region. According to Tambi, Atiku had openly stated that he would hand over power to the Southeast after his tenure, potentially leaving the Yoruba region without representation in government for sixteen years.
Considering this, Tambi and others concluded that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was the best choice to safeguard the interests of the southwest. Tambi emphasized that their support for Tinubu was not the result of negotiations or personal gain, but a sincere belief in his ability to protect and advance the region’s interests. He acknowledged the importance of looking beyond politics and taking a unified stand for the greater good, as the northern regions have often done.
Responding to concerns about Tinubu’s health and his recent increased activity since assuming office, Tambi explained that there is a distinction between the political struggle and the political process, which can be strenuous. He praised Tinubu’s resilience and dedication, highlighting his remarkable performance during the election campaign despite his age.
Regarding recent controversies surrounding petroleum product subsidies and the unified Dollar rate policy, Tambi blamed petroleum product marketers for causing unnecessary inflation. He clarified that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration had announced the removal of subsidies by the end of June, which was not included in the handover documents. Tambi also commended the president for making bold decisions on issues such as the unified Dollar rate, the Electricity bill, and the Student Loan Act, urging Nigerians to endure temporary challenges in order to achieve long-term solutions for the country’s growth and development.
As Tambi attended the presidential inauguration at Eagle Square in Abuja, he expressed confidence in President Buhari’s leadership and encouraged Nigerians to support the government’s efforts in addressing critical issues and building a prosperous nation.